Kim Hellberg reveals Tonda Eckert apology over Southampton Spygate

Kim Hellberg has revealed that Southampton manager Tonda Eckert personally called him to apologise over the Spygate scandal.

The Middlesbrough boss disclosed the conversation ahead of Saturday’s home match against Wolves, saying the call took place months ago.

His comments follow Wednesday’s announcement of a suspended six-week ban and £28,000 fine for Eckert.

“Tonda actually called me some months ago and apologised, and I think it’s time to move on,” Hellberg said, in comments reported by The Sun.

Eckert remains free to manage Southampton

The Football Association confirmed that Eckert’s suspension runs until the end of the 2027/28 season. The sanction allows him to continue managing Southampton, including in Sunday’s derby against Portsmouth.

The individual punishment followed separate proceedings against Southampton, who were expelled from last season’s Championship play-offs and received a four-point deduction for the current campaign.

The case involved surveillance of training sessions at Middlesbrough, Oxford United and Ipswich Town.

Boro were reinstated into the play-off final after Southampton’s exclusion, but lost to Hull City at Wembley.

Hellberg’s latest comments indicate that his attention is now on Middlesbrough’s own campaign, with Wolves next to visit the Riverside.

Read more about Eckert’s suspended ban and the Southampton Spygate verdict.

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